RIDGEWOOD — For the past 35 years, Chuck Johnson has run the Wing-T offense at Ridgewood. While everyone else has moved to spread offenses and multiple sets with an emphasis on the pass, the Maroons continue to hunker down the "old-fashioned" way.

So why is it that Ridgewood has not changed with the times like everyone else?

Consider this: The Maroons are 240-118-1 in the Johnson era heading into their North 1, Group 5 semifinal with Clifton. They own four state championships (1991, 2003, 2004 and 2016) and 24 league/division titles.

But what is it about this offense that makes it work? Without giving too much away, Johnson broke it down earlier this week.

“The intricacies of this offense make it very difficult to defend, and even more of a challenge when the opponent only sees it once a year," he explained. "It becomes a tremendous challenge to figure out how to defend it in one week of practice. For most teams, it means having to make changes to their base defense.”

Understanding that the Wing-T is primarily a running offense, it begs the question, why don’t teams just stack the box with 8 or 9 defenders and close off the run and force Ridgewood to throw?

“It’s not that simple,” Johnson said. “The way we line up (one tight end, one split end, two wingbacks, one fullback, quarterback under center) it creates 10 gaps to cover (A, B, C, D, E on both sides) and forces a defense to have to spread out and account for all 10. The trick is for the play caller (Johnson) to call the right plays.”

The offense also does require four competent runners in the backfield, including the quarterback. Ridgewood players start running this offense in junior football, and become proficient in the basics by the time they reach the high school level.

When the backfield is full of complementary players, it clicks. Many times, it's the fullback spot that dictates just how proficient the Wing-T will be. This year, Will Cardew became the fifth Ridgewood back in this century to crack 1,000 yards rushing in a season.

Cardew is not alone, though. Will McDermott, Gabe Santiago, Avery Scott and David Kleiman have all taken turns complimenting Cardew, as have quarterbacks Will Mollihan and Liam Tarleton.

McDermott, Santiago, Scott and Kleiman have combined for 1,088 yards and 10 touchdowns while the QBs have 291 yards and five TDs between them. It’s that kind of balance that keeps defenses honest.

Ridgewood's Will Mollihan completed 15 of 24 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns against Paramus.(Photo: Steve Hockstein/Special to NorthJersey.com)

The Wing-T also allowed Ridgewood to overcome the loss of Mollihan to a broken fibula in the first Clifton game. Tarleton came in and directed four straight touchdown drives to break open a 38-14 win. He’s melded right into the running offense, including a huge 86-yard touchdown run in the win over Hackensack.

“Liam is a very smart player, and he’s had 10 relatives play here so he’s very knowledgeable of the offense,” Johnson said. “You can see his confidence increasing with every week.”

No running game is successful without a good offensive line, and this year, the five guys up front have been solid. Center Chris Morse, guards Dylan Black and Cooper Vellis and left tackle Dan Lawson have been in there for every snap. Luke Simpson stepped in for A.J. Liguori at right tackle after the latter had a concussion four weeks ago and he remains the starter.

Their roles become even more important as the playoffs continue. The Wing-T’s efficiency is counting on it.